"ODE TO A HOMESCHOOL MOM"

As a wife, mother, and home educator You are the embodiment of life, love, and laughter. Even at times when you do not feel respected, You are adored by the children you’ve directed.

Your chosen career means there is much to do, For you are your children’s best teacher, too– Training them to walk, to talk and say “please,” Plus reading, writing, math, and social studies.

Gathering books from the library, you strive To read aloud and bring history alive. You take kids on field trips and nature hikes, Arrange play days and set up movie nights.

You are a modern “Renaissance woman,” Instructing every one of your children In all of the fine arts and sciences While you also pursue your own interests.

You are a housekeeper, nurse, cook, janitor, Counselor, cheerleader, and a whole lot more. You can give a lesson and bake a cake While tying a shoe and mending a break.

You teach your children for most of the day, And carefully listen to what they have to say. Rather than measuring by height, grade or year, You track their growth by the character they wear.

You routinely put your family first And do your best to fix every hurt. Your heart is full of compassion showing You are quite wise and always knowing.

Your life is not as glorious as some, With many days taken up by tedium. You rarely get what you truly deserve, As anyone else would surely observe.

But even amid the worst of all days, Happiness is found in a special way. God is your strength and Jesus is your mentor; As you honor Him, He blesses your endeavor.

May each of my homeschool moms be blessed this day and always!! For all you do!!

Karen

"Ode to a Homeschool Dad"

A homeschool dad is second to none When it comes to mixing learning and fun. After working hard the whole day long, His will to teach and play is still strong.

Whether it’s hide and seek, checkers or chess, Dad is the person who does them the best. He coaches the kids on how to catch and throw Plus so much more; there’s nothing he doesn’t know.

Many weekends he goes mountain biking, Sailing, four-wheeling, camping or hiking. Then for his vacation he always takes us On a trip to the beach and other places.

Dad can repair almost any doll or toy That might be broken by a little girl or boy, Using the quality tools at his disposal Which are neatly arranged on his workshop table.

Dad builds book shelves, bird houses, sand boxes, And his hand-tossed pizza tastes delicious! Yes, dad can cook and he doesn’t stop there– He even changes diapers with great care.

Homeschool dads are dedicated to their families, Instrumental in creating unforgettable memories, Forming a father-child bond that lasts a lifetime While supporting mom and being her lifeline.

Dad also lends that special masculine touch To a home full of children he loves so much As he stops fights, heals hurts, and educates them In good character, virtue, and discipline.

Dad is a provider, protector, counselor, Role model, hero, principal and tutor. Whether it’s science, math, or reading aloud, Dad’s instructional skills are of worth to be proud.

But most importantly he is our captain and leader, Spiritual head of the house and scripture reader, Following divine truths set forth by the God of all men, Through wisdom handed down from our Father in heaven.

May all you homeschool dads be blessed as well and Thank you for being our spiritual leaders and well just our leaders!! Also thank you for being there for us moms through our good days and especially our bad.

Karen